Held every January, find further details here. What Things Cost in Morocco | Is It Expensive? It was so hot that heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the city short and move south. Juan Ballena is a trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena. We also have Punta Arena, a closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away. If you're on a tight budget, then a visit to the Gold Museum of Cartagena, in the old town, is a great way to kill some time and save some money because it's completely free to enter. I found it to be crowded with tourists when I visited, a few years ago, and rumor has it that the city is now receiving even more visitors thanks to cheap flight connections, cruise ships and social media promotion. Yes Cartagena is right by the Caribbean sea, and yes there are various city beaches, but they are not really going to be what youre looking for. The area is gorgeous and is one of Colombia's natural national parks. It's a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Particularly in case you're visiting Cartagena for the primary time, right here's some issues to remember: Don't drink the faucet water. . For the vast majority of you, that will be the case too - just dont leave your bag or valuables unattended, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings at night. Cartagena is a charming city featuring colonial architecture and beach life. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. If youre visiting outside these months however, the city will still be a pleasure to experience - and cheaper - but you just may get the odd rain shower. Colombia holds one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Luckily, we have written this post How To Get from Cartagena to Santa Marta which shares the three main options with public and private transport, as well this guide on the best things to do there. 10 THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA COLOMBIA 2021 In this video, we share with you 10 things to do when visiting the amazing city of Cartagena Colombia. Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. Dip under the crystalline surface for snorkelling and diving on the coral reefs which flank the coast - there are sharks and eels to be spotted, as well as huge sponges and vast spider crabs wandering the reef. Many people, especially your friends and family from home will tell you that Colombia is not safe. This new found popularity is a double-edged sword. The Rosario Islands is an archipelago located off the Caribbean coast, about 62 mi (100 km) from Cartagena. Travel Tip // If youre already a fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, then you can take this literary tour around the city focused on his works and his words. 9. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. and the currency exchange fee. They will encourage you, the tourist, to take a photo with them or of their Palenqueras group. From the food to its drinks and places to stay, Cartagena is definitely on the higher end of things when compared to other places in Colombia you may be exploring. With fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena. If you are visiting Cartagena as the first leg of a longer trip around Colombia, you may want to invest in SIM card so that you can count on data to navigate the web or use apps when needed. Plan to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case you run into any language barriers. After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin. We recommend avoiding lodging in other areas not mentioned as these are the safest alternatives that also offer infinite options of bars, restaurants and points of interest, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 7 de May de 2016 a la(s) 1:10 PDT, Older Post When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. For those travelling by themselves, or still a little nervous about the country, this means that you can travel safely and confidently to a number of top destinations without fear or a great deal of Spanish. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". For wonderful views back on the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar! 3. Although in theory you can go year round, depending on when you go you may encounter larger crowds of tourists, get quite a bit of rain (though since it is in the Caribbean, it can rain year round) and find the city to be unbearably hot and humid we are speaking 80% and even 90% humidity. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. But expensive is relative to you as a person. Taxi Rates in Cartagena ( valid through December 2016), There is also UBER, InDriver and Esay Taxi apps available in Cartagena, Un vdeo publicado por Uber (@uber) el 2 de Feb de 2016 a la(s) 11:41 PST. Cartagena heat is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena. However, it's an extremely safe destination for all tourists. Finally, some suggest that it is possible to visit Tayrona National Park and / or Santa Marta on day trips from Cartagena. Located less than 450 miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little. Water in Cartagena is safe to drink, which will come as a massive relief as this way you wont have to worry about brushing your teeth with it, or eating a salad that has been washed in it. Keep in mind the rule of asking the price before taking it also applies for cabs. Besides being known as the best beach in Cartagena, Playa Blanca in Baru is also recognized for its high demand of beach vendors who are very persistent to sell their goods. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Colombia is the land of bargain and Cartagena is not the exception, being such a touristic city, local vendors take advantage on increasing their prices to those who seem more gringos :D and even more if they dont speak any spanish; so it is all about your attitude and ability to negotiate. The best shot here, is to take a day trip excursion to one of the hotels to offer the "day pass" service, however be aware of the option you choose as if your plan is to enjoy a quiet and relaxing day at the beach, most of this hotels host hundreds of people everyday; besides, not even all of them have really a beach. Mall Plaza El Castilloe - find it here. To avoid any surprise, make sure you agree on a final price before hopping on and try to carry small bills to pay at the end of your ride. If it helps, it is officially recognised as safe too. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. Top Tip // Whilst were here, we might as well mention that Spanish is a real difference maker for your travels in Cartagena and Colombia. The coffee region is chalk full of amazingly friendly people and beautiful mountain landscapes. There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. Here's a quick overview of the visa requirements, health and safety precautions, currency exchange, and other important information for US citizens traveling to Colombia. Its dirty picture trash and cigarette butts and the last thing youll want to do is putting your feet in the sand; crowded; and there are so many vendors that instead of relaxing in the sun, youll spend your time thanking them and saying you really dont want to buy ceviche, or drugs, or whatever. When traveling, anytime you do an activity with animals, you really want to be sure the animals welfare is coming first, not tourist fun. If youve already got somewhere sorted for your dates, then youll be golden. Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION If you're traveling to Colombia as a tourist from the United States, you do not need a visa. There are amazing things to see and do out here. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the MOST popular destinations in Colombia. During your research, youll like have seen many photos of beaming black Colombian women dressed in beautifully colourful dresses and carrying a fruit basket upon their heads. If you are looking to get some beach time in, we highly recommend skipping the beaches in Cartagena and heading to the neighboring islands of Isla Bar or Islas del Rosario. Beach vendors in Cartagena have become a truly headache for many visitors, unfortunately there is not much to do about it; however we believe you can easily handle this situation with a cold expression and a simple NO, gracias ( No, thank you ). The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. However, these destinations are really not suitable for day trip as the distance from Cartagena and to them is just too far. You can pay with debit or credit card almost anywhere, most of the stores and restaurants accept cards, although if you are hanging out at the beach or want to buy something from a street vendor take cash. In terms of travel, it means you should save drinks in the shade, hanging out in your accommodation, museum or market visits, and escapes to coffee shops with air-con to the peak afternoon sun as its just not enjoyable to be wandering around then. Get misplaced in Old Town, pattern streetside empanadas in Getsemani, and dance cumbia til daybreak earlier than heading off on a ship tour to discover the bay and close by islandsthese are simply a few of the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A stunning and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast, in . The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). A city that sits right on the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach. Alternative options are Laguito and Castillogrande, but they still aint great. ), with a level up in service and price expected from Latam Airlines. Reservations are encouraged where you can make them! You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! Now I'm scared. In Cartagena we have two types of weather, hot and very hot :) During the whole year temperature in Cartagena average goes between 25 and 32 degrees (77 to 88 fahrenheit) and 80% humidity. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. Cheap no-frills airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly (make sure you check the baggage allowances! Here are 10 things that first-time visitors should know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips For First Time . Direct flights to Cartagena. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". A polite but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away. There are never too many photos you can take of Cartagenas streets. If you are a little wary of trusting the tap water, you can opt to filter the water further, you know, to take the better safe than sorry route. But again if you don't know the city we recommend passing the bus to avoid shady parts of the city; Things to know before you go. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. Walk. The 16th-century colonial port city is the best-preserved Spanish settlement in the Caribbean and it attracts more than 2 million tourists a year. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. You will also have to stretch your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you can rest decently at night. Plan to spend three or four days there, so that you can discover all the main attractions and you have an extra one to get out of town to one of the nearby islands. The thing to know is that the Caribbean coast of Colombia is more expensive than elsewhere in the country, and Cartagena is generally the most expensive place on the Caribbean coast. However, if you do plan to attend note that these dates correspond to high season in Cartagena, and high prices will be pushed even higher; its essential that you book in advance. We ended up spending far too long (at least three hours) going through all the options online to find a fairly priced double room in a hostel with a kitchen that wasnt crap. The only dorm that was left was charging an extortionate amount, and we were saved by a guy who promised he knew a woman who had a room spare for a good price. The bad news about safety in Colombia. A coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain. For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. Facts. 12 January, 2019Adventure, bogot, Caribbean, Colombia, South AmericaBogota, cartagena, Colombia, Is Colombia Safe, medellin, South America, travel advice, travel to Colombia, travel with children to colombia, unforgettable travel experiences in south america, what is there to do in Colombia, what i. Especially if you plan to fly. Make sure to read my posts about other Colombia destinations: Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a1e2a88525395fb846803998dbad156b" );document.getElementById("bf5f1d039c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Coca leaves are still chewed on the streets and available for tourists . Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. Television shows like 'Narcos' might be your kind of entertainment, but they reinforce the dark past instead of the good about Colombia. Cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in the Old City. The best taxi app in Colombia is EasyTaxi, so use that instead of Uber. Both areas are fantastic places to stay and place you close to the best things to do in Cartagena. This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena! A rather common tour offered by tourism agencies is the Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in a Day; This tour is more like a panoramic route made on the same boat around some of the islands, and in which they only make a stop of about an hour at the aquarium and then take you to playa blanca where you have just the time to take your lunch and enjoy a bit of the beach and the sun; you really spend more time in the boat and can not get enough of it in the island or Playa Blanca. Dont believe them! Alternatively, you can book an affordable private transfer to be waiting for your arrival if its your first time in the Colombia and you dont speak Spanish. Arguably, the best time to visit Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower. Cartagena is worldwide well known for its history and culture, our beaches are not the best but not everyone is aware of that, so they can get a big disappointment when they come to see the sand and water are not exactly as the caribbean postals they expected. My answer is an emphatic yes, Cartagena is very safe to visit. One important thing to know is that while Colombias neighbors (Panama and Ecuador) use US dollars as their main currency, the official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP) and US dollars (as well as Euros and British Pounds) arent accepted. In our opinion, the best time to explore Cartagena is at sunrise. Read More // What Things Cost in Colombia. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! The good news about safety in Colombia. Playa Blanca on Island Baru is the most popular beach in the Rosario Islands. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 9:38 PDT. ). But you will be surprised to know that most clothing and imported items (especially wine!) Firstly, Uber works in Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a popular local alternative app. Colombia is a fabulous country and an easy vacation destination from the U.S. Don't walk around alone at night. Also Read: A Digital Nomad's Guide to Medellin, Colombia Top Tip // Whilst were really not a fan of hop-on, hop-off bus services, if you happen to have limited mobility they may offer an easier way to sight-see in the city. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. Common sense goes a long way . If you choose to partake, just be aware of the potential consequences that can come along with that decision (potential robbery, arrest, etc). Or, just leave us a positive note! Hi, my name is Claudia. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. Don't walk around alone at night. Yes, all of South America, as in the entire continent. The good news is that this is probably the most expensive city in Colombia, so if you are visiting Cartagena first, and then the rest of the country, you will be relieved to find more convenient prices. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. Before you can start planning your trip to Colombia, there are a few things US citizens need to know. So I'm here to get some honest advice . Have no worries because there is no tourist visa required for US citizens traveling to Cartagena under 90 days. You should always ask the price before you make a purchase and if you think it sounds expensive try to put the price down, the vendor will surely accept it or work the price with you. Expect the journey time to be a little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get there. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. Check out my posts The Best Airbnb In Cartagena andWhere To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay. For most people visiting the north of Colombia, Cartagena will act as a gateway to the incredible sights dotted along the countrys Caribbean coast: places like Tayrona National Park, the laid-back hippy village of Palomino, or into the jungle to take on the Lost City Trek. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. However with a reputation for nightlife, backpackers always flocking to it, and some people still feeling that Colombia is simply all about Escobar and cocaine, incidents do occur. You already know it, drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun when you come over! The journey was long and tiring, and eventually, we found out that flight . Not only that the best rooms at reasonable prices are the first to be booked out, so as soon as you have set your dates for your trip to Cartagena, start looking for a place to stay. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. If youre flying into Cartagenas airport - its the same one for international and domestic - youll be happy to know that its a short, safe taxi ride into the old town (approximately 15,00 COP to Getsamani, for example). However, they do still need to complete Migracion Colombia's Check-Mig immigration . Home to beautiful street murals, umbrella-covered streets, and Salsa bars, Getsemani is a perfect break from what can be the chaos of Cartagena. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. This means that for any purchase you make through one of my links, I receive a small percentage which however does not affect the final price for the customer. Keep Reading | The Best Day Trips from Cartagena, How to Get to Playa Blanca (and Isla Baru) From Cartagena and Our Guide to San Andres. Regardless of what there is to do in Cartagena, understanding a few tips for visiting Cartagena ahead of your arrival will definitely come in handy. If you want to take a photo of the Palenqueras (the colorful ladies selling fruit, as pictured above), you will either have to pay for the photo, or buy some fruit or a drink from them. Also consider investing in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours. Knowing a few words will help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals! We focus on showing you the local and authentic side of Cartagena, giving you a full picture of our culture and lifestyle throughout our professional travel experiences. Although many places in Colombia do not even accept credit cards, we suggest bringing at least one credit card with you but keeping it in a safe place at your hotel for emergencies. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. I made a post earlier this week. With a trusty map app, you're all set. In Colombia, this is known as "offering up a papaya." Do not walk around alone at night. Everything is walkable! Make sure you are wearing breathable and comfortable clothes because you will sweat. Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. Cartagena is the city with most touristic traffic -both local and outlanders in Colombia. If Cartagena is your first stop in Colombia, whether youve flown in to start your trip or travelled across from Panama, then some of the costs may take you by surprise. Landed in Cartagena and prepared to discover? Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. 14 Things To Do & See, Things To Do In Culebra - Your Complete Travel Guide, How To Get to Culebra - Ferry, Flights, Day Trip, Hiking In Crested Butte: The Easy & Best Hikes You Shouldnt Miss, 12 Amazing Things To Do In Crested Butte in Summer, One Fantastic Weekend in Asheville Itinerary, 9 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks In North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway 3 Day Itinerary From Asheville (Overlooks, Hikes, & Map! The city and its main attractions are all very walkable, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena. Bocagrande and El Laguito: These are the modern touristic areas of Cartagena; both neighborhoods offer well established hotel chains as Hilton, Dann and Holiday Inn, as well as apartment rentals -which is often the first option for Colombian tourists when traveling with family or a group of friends. Taxis in the city dont work on a meter system, but rely on set of zone rates so in theory you should know how much you will be charged before getting on. Travel Tip // If despite your best efforts youre just not a morning person, the end of the day is also a beautiful time to appreciate Cartagena. However, it can also push locals out of certain neighbourhoods, hollow out a place, and change its character; this of course removes much of what made a place special to travellers in the first place. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. However, as tourism to the city skyrocketed, the unofficial demarcation between the two neighbourhoods has blurred and we were surprised at how many new hotels and businesses (and further redevelopment) had set up in Getseman. Using ATM's is a much better option than trying to exchange money.". Of the many things to do in Cartagena, you may read about taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Old City. However, of the place we visited in Colombia, Cartagena was by far the most English-friendly destination. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink, 13. Newer Post. Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. The nice beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park. Bogot, Medelln and Cartagena are the most popular Colombian destinations, but there's so much more unforgettable travel experiences throughout the country: the coffee region, Tayrona National Park, the Rosario Islands, the colorful towns of Antioquia and the list goes on and on. Cartagena is a city with too much humidity. For more information, 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena, Tour to Palenque: The Other History Of Cartagena, Coffe Roasting And Tasting At Caf del Mural, From/To Cartagena - Santa Marta or Tayrona, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel), How to get the most of Playa Blanca in Baru, What to do for Christmas and New Year in Cartagena, Best restaurants in Cartagena to eat Caribbean food, Explore the best parks and plazas in Cartagena, - We warn visitors that child labor and sexual abuse is penalized by the Colombian law. Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. So sleep easy knowing you can brush your teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles. Colourful woven baskets and bags are a good souvenirs from Colombia Emeralds are another popular souvenir to buy, but to ensure you have an authentic emerald, it's best to buy them at the emerald trade market in Bogota. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Add to this that Colombia has finally managed to get rid of its reputation of being a dangerous country, and you get the idea: dont expect to have the city to yourself, or you will be truly disappointed. Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. Travel is necessary and we have every intention to roam beautifully. One thing for sure, Cartagena is as beautiful as they say. Avoid Cartagena's Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead 7. Although the Islands belong to the National park of Rosario and the San Bernardo, most of them are inhabited by private properties that pay significant taxation to government to be there; Therefore visiting them all is not really an option. Peak season in Cartagena goes from December to March, with the weeks around Christmas and those at the end of January and beginning of February, when Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias (a literary and cultural festival) takes place, being by far the busiest. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink 12. However, making the most of your time in Cartagena is also about understanding some of its quirks, its challenges, and the notable changes its undergone in the last few years. Staying in the Walled City and Getsemani is safe for the most part. If you want to visit a more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches. Visiting Cartagena on your Colombia itinerary? The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. Its Colombian territory and there are direct flights from Cartagena. 16. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. Don't stroll round alone at night time. Thats where you will find the Puerta del Reloj (Cartagenas clocktower); San Pedro Claver church; Santo Domingo church; Parque Bolivar, the Palace of the Inquisition; the Cathedral and the Museo del Oro Zenu (the Gold Museum). Also saying no gracias goes a long way. There are several good ones you can consider, such as this one. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. We had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 25 de May de 2016 a la(s) 8:55 PDT, Currency exchange places in Cartagena usually take dollars, euros and some of them, Brazilian Reais.
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